Senin, 26 September 2016

10 Amazing Things in Tana Toraja

Funeral Ceremony

Torajan
people has strong beliefes about life after death. That’s the reason why the
funeral is special than any ceremony. After a person death, family will keep the
body for a while (often few years) and waiting for the perfect time to do the
ceremony. December is the best time to visit Toraja if you want to see the
funeral ceremony. The ceremony will be held up to weeks with traditional dance
and music, buffalo fight, and slaughter of buffaloes and pigs. The richer the
family, the longer the ceremony and more buffaloes slaughtered. It could be the
most elaborate and expensive funeral in the world.

Burial CavesThere
are three methods of burial in Tana Toraja: the coffin may be laid in the cave,
laid in a carved stone grave or hung on a rocky cliff. One grave can accomodate
a whole family. A wooden carved sclupture of the deceasted called Tau-Tau
usually placed in front of the grave looking out over the land. In August,
there is an event called Ma’nene, the deceast will be washed and groomed in a
new dress and then the mummies are walk around the village. Believe it or not,
it happen!

Burial Caves in Lemo, Tana Toraja

Bolu MarketThis
is the place for animal trading, mostly buffalo and pig. Bolu Market is held every 6th day. Don’t be surprise if you ask the seller about an albino
buffallo’s
price and they say $35000. They are not trying to rip you off. What does make a
buffalo that crazy expensive? You can only find albino buffaloes in Toraja land. And it’s about
pride. No matter how beautiful your house or how expensive your car, you are
not rich if you don’t have the albino buffalo called Tedong Bonga.

Tedong Bonga in Bolu Market

BatutumongaBatutumonga
is a highland village which has scenic panorama. The road uphill is not really
nice, but when you see the rice terrain combine with blue mountain and gloomy
weather, you would think it all worthed.

SeseanOnce
you are in Batutumonga, don’t miss the beautiful views from the top of Mount
Sesean. It’s a bit tricky to find the way up because there is no sign. Just ask
the local people and they would be more than happy to show you. If you passing
through a house with a loud barking dogs, you are in the right way.

CulinaryIf you
eat pork, you have to try Pa’piong, pork and vegetables cooked in bamboo tube.
If you don’t, you can find Pa’piong with chicken or fish instead of pork. It’s
available in some restaurant in Rantepao City. Bakso Babi (pork meatball) also
a must try.

TongkonanIs the
traditional house of Torajan people. It stands high on the wooden piles, topped
with a layer split bamboo roof in arch shaped, wooden carving on the exterior
wall, and decorated with several buffalo’s horns.

Toraja Arabica CoffeeToraja’s
arabica coffee carries high reputation among the coffee lover. It brought from
a region called Kalosi in southern Tana Toraja. Buying coffee as souvenir in
Toraja probably the best idea because it comes with a nice packages, in a
carved bamboo tube or wooden case.

MegalithsMegaliths
and menhirs can found in some place in Tana Toraja, but the most popular one is
Bori Parinding. It is on the way to Batutumonga, stands in the middle of rice
field. That are part of ceremonies and rituals.

Clear Water RaftingThere
are plenty of tour organizer in Rantepao that can organise rafting. They will
take you down the hill through the muddy road to reach the river. You will see stunning sceneries from the forest,
village to the rice fields while floating in the river.